01-06-2025
Mrs KZN empowers young women and inspires confidence
MRS KZN 2024, Janine de Jesus, is using her voice and influence for good, by empowering young women to take a stand against cyberbullying and abuse.
With June being Youth Month, De Jesus has been dedicating her time to giving talks that inspire female learners to stand in their strength and rise above challenges. The owner of The Grand White, located in Glenwood at the Baumann Residences, recently made an impact in the lives of young women at Brettonwood High School. De Jesus visited the Women of Worth (WOW) Club where she reached out and uplifted the female learners by giving them advice on how to navigate their teenage years and avoid peer pressure.
De Jesus said, 'We had real, raw conversations about cyberbullying, abuse, and the importance of self-worth. I shared tools on how to handle abuse — how to recognise the signs, speak up, seek support, and never feel ashamed for protecting your peace. Abuse thrives in silence, and I reminded the girls that their voice is their power.'
Also Read: Young women empowered to break cycle of abuse
She encouraged every girl in the room to love herself, be confident to speak up without fear, set healthy boundaries and know her worth. 'We also explored the beautiful concept of the 'Let Them' theory by Mel Robbins. Let them judge. Let them misunderstand you. Let them walk away. Let them … while you keep working on you, loving you, and standing in your truth,' added De Jesus.
Through her advocacy and school talks, De Jesus guides learners into being powerful, strong, confident and independent teenagers who are able to stand tall against adversity. 'Our youth, especially our young girls, are facing so much in today's world. I will continue to show up, speak up, and stand up for them. This is my mission — to educate, empower, and help them rise above bullying, abuse, and self-doubt. I tell them to stand strong even when it's hard and that you are brave, you are brilliant, and your light is unstoppable,' said De Jesus.
Having recently purchased The Grand White, De Jesus says that plans are afoot to transform it into a welcoming space of wellness — offering yoga, pilates, a coffee shop, and a boutique clothing store. This sanctuary is designed for relaxation, restoration, and community connection, open to all, and especially focused on uplifting events and experiences for women. De Jesus recently entered Mrs Umhlanga 2025, where she was crowned First Princess and honoured with the Princess with a Purpose award for collecting the most care packs in support of the Keep a Girl in School campaign. To find out more about her work or to invite De Jesus for an inspirational talk, email: janinedj@
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